Other Recreation Opportunities

There are countless other recreational opportunities in Manchester operated by other government entities and not-for-profits.

The Equinox Preservation Trust consists of over 914 acres on the slopes of Mount Equinox in Manchester, Vermont. In 1996, owners of the Equinox Resort donated conservation easements to the Vermont Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy to permanently protect this land. The Preserve is open to the public year-round for non-motorized recreation. From the preserve hikers can climb to the summit of Mount Equinox, the highest peak in the Taconic Range at 3,848 feet. The Preserve as includes a less invigorating loop around Equinox Pond.

Lye Brook Falls (located on Glen Road), Spruce Peak and Prospect Rock (located on Rootville Road) are owned and maintained by the United States Forest Service. From Prospect Rock hikers can see most of Manchester and access the world-renowned Long Trail. Lye Brook Falls offers one of New England's most breathtaking waterfalls and access to the Stratton Pond Loop. Get more information about the Long Trail. Visit the Green Mountain Club web site for more information about hiking in Manchester and Vermont.

The Northshire Civic Center operates Riley Rink, an Olympic size ice skating rink. Riley Rink hosts open skate, stick and puck sessions, youth hockey, figure skating and Burr and Burton hockey teams. In the spring the Rink puts down artifical turf for indoor soccer and lacrosse.

Hildene, the historic Lincoln family home, offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as rentals, in the winter on 14 kilometers of of trails mid-December to mid-March from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, weather permitting.

Numerous not-for-profit entities operate leagues and programs in Manchester, including:

• Equinox Valley Football (youth football)
• Southern Vermont Volleyball League (adult volleyball)